The Puppet Master

A Woman Is Targeted For Execution. Who Pulled The Strings?

(CBS)  After three weeks of testimony, and three days of deliberation, Heather Grossman’s nine-year wait for a verdict is about to be over.

The verdict? Guilty on two counts of attempted first degree murder and on four additional charges related to the murder for hire conspiracy. Samuels was sentenced to life, plus 120 years.

"I know that he’s out of our lives forever. He will never bother us. I know that I’m safe and my children are safe," Heather says.

As for Roger Runyon, who confessed he shot heather, he’s still haunted by his actions. "I'll never forgive myself," he tells 48 Hours. "At this point, just like right now, I wish I never would have been born."

As he begins serving out his sentence in a Florida prison, Ron Samuels, who still maintains his innocence, has grown almost philosophical about his fate. Asked what his biggest regret is, Samuels tells Roberts, "My greatest regret? My greatest regret is that both of us should have tried harder. For the sake of the three children."

"I love the three children. And I’m hoping that one day they’ll want to come see their father. Before they’re married and have families of their own. And before I die. I miss them very much," he adds.

And he wants his children to know the truth. Asked what that truth is, Samuels says, "The truth is, I would never, ever harm one hair on Heather’s head."

The court ordered Samuels to pay Heather more than $300,000. But the one-time successful businessman who once said his worth was in excess of $30 million tells Roberts he now has "zero, and then some."

But Heather doesn’t believe that. "I know he had millions of dollars," she says.

But if there’s really no money left for Heather, she says he could offer her something else of value. "I would have liked an apology. But I know I will never get one. Because I'm sure he was overjoyed that day that I was shot. Ron Samuels is exactly where he belongs and I don't have to think about him anymore."

Asked if she thinks there is any chance for rehabilitation for her condition, Heather says, "No … Maybe in 20 years there will be rehabilitation for someone in my condition. I don’t think that’s gonna happen in my lifetime."

Today, her fragile condition requires 24-hour care. "I had to learn how to eat, how to swallow, how to sit up, how to speak on a ventilator, and just deal with everyday life this way. So, it’s been very hard," she says.

Does she ever sorry for herself?

"I guess. Some days, you know? I might have a difficult day," Heather tells Roberts. "So, it’s been very hard. But you know, with my faith and the way my life is now, it’s great. It might be hard for some people to believe, but I'm sitting in a very happy place."

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Heather Grossman is still trying to unravel the truth about Ron Samuels' assets to collect the money he owes her.

Her medical costs are about $250,000 per year.

Ron Samuels is appealing his conviction.

[roscoezzz]

Ron Samuels really is a PUPPET MASTER. It seems that he wanted to control everything, his wives, kids, money and even what people think of him. He convinced his third wife of he is innocence. He even convinces himself that HE CHOSE THE WRONG WOMEN. But, those women loved him, bore his children etc.,
This sounds cliche, but real life and real people aren''t puppets. All because he lost control, didn''t want to be wrong, didn''t want to lose. He ruined so many lives. For 9 years he caused such grief and pain. He deserves to rot in that jail cell.
I admire his ex-wife who says she is happy after all that''s happened to her. She deserves so much more.

[carolcape]

I remember this matter being on before, but it is good to know this man will never get out of jail. He had everything including money. What happens to these people is unreal. Nobody wins in this case. What a tragedy for these people, especially the wife. How can so many people be so evil to do harm to one defenseless person. You think one of them would have had an ounce of goodness in them to turn him in before they killed this woman. God be with her to help her in the future.

[shoyt_2001]

Truth is in the actions, not the words. If the husband really wanted his ex-wife to be okay, then he would have paid child support rather than spending over half a million to deny it. Then he would have paid for her health care needs rather than fighting them.

He does not care about her, but says he does in the hope that people, including his children, will think well of him.

Idiot. He obviously failed in kindergarten when they teach you to play nice and tell the truth. He was probably selling spitballs in the classroom. His thinking has not moved on from those days.

[bickityboo]

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